Watchtower Study, Jehovah Is Our “Greatest Joy”, Week of December 8-14, 2025, Comments and Answers.

Watchtower Study, Jehovah Is Our “Greatest Joy”, December 8-14, 2025, Comments and Answers.

“I will go [...] to God, my greatest joy” (Ps. 43:4).

1, 2. a) How do many people feel today?

Many people today are obsessed with the idea of ​​being happy, but the happiness they achieve is fleeting. Despite their efforts, many feel deeply sad and empty. Even some of Jehovah’s servants may feel this way because of the difficult situations and emotions we experience in “the last days.”

1, 2. b) What will we see in this article?

In this article, we'll explore what can steal our joy and what we can do to regain it. Before that, we'll also discuss who can bring us true happiness.

WHO CAN GIVE US TRUE HAPPINESS

3. What does creation teach us about Jehovah? (See also the pictures.)

Creation teaches us that Jehovah is a happy and loving God who wants us to be happy too. He made a beautiful planet, with a wide variety of colors, delicious food, and animals that delight us with their behavior. All of this shows that Jehovah loves us deeply and wants us to enjoy life.

ILLUSTRATION

Images of various animals playing: 1. A baby elephant splashing in the water. 2. Penguin chicks taking clumsy steps in the snow. 3. Two goat kids happily skipping in the field. 4. Two dolphins performing acrobatics above the water.

When we see animals playing, we are reminded that Jehovah is the happy God. (See paragraph 3.)

4. (a) Why does Jehovah feel happy despite all the suffering he sees in the world?

Jehovah remains happy because he knows that suffering is temporary and that he himself has already set the time when he will end all pain and sorrow. This certainty allows him to maintain his joy despite what he sees.

4. b) What does Jehovah do for us? (Psalm 16:11).

Jehovah is aware of how we feel and helps us to be joyful. As Psalm 16:11 says, he shows us that “in his presence there is great joy” and fills us with joy when we draw near to him.

5, 6. Why is Jesus happy?

Jesus is happy because he perfectly reflects his Father's qualities and has spent more time with Jehovah, the source of true happiness, than anyone else. Furthermore, he is happy because he always does Jehovah's will and has his favor and approval.

7. What do we have to do to feel truly happy?

To feel truly happy, we need to draw ever closer to Jehovah. By taking the time to get to know him better and learn about him, we can imitate him and enjoy the happiness that comes from doing his will and having his approval.

DON'T LET ANYTHING STEAL YOUR JOY

8. How can life's problems affect us?

Life's problems can affect us deeply. Situations like persecution, natural disasters, poverty, illness, or old age can rob us of our joy, especially when we can't change what's happening. As Proverbs 15:13 says, “A broken heart crushes the spirit.”

Brother Babis's example shows that difficulties can overwhelm us both physically and emotionally, leaving us feeling alone, overwhelmed, and heartbroken.

9. What can we do to regain joy? (Jeremiah 29:4-7, 10).

We can regain joy if we are realistic and grateful. We must accept our circumstances, even if they are not ideal, and focus on the good things we do have. The example of the Jews in Babylon shows that even in difficult situations, it is possible to cope in the best way if we trust in Jehovah.

Furthermore, remembering that Jehovah is by our side and helps us gives us strength to keep going. As Sister Efi expressed, the support of Jehovah, family, and the congregation, along with a grateful attitude, can help us maintain a positive outlook and regain joy.

10. Why can we maintain joy even when we have problems?

We can maintain joy even when we face problems because our happiness does not depend on our circumstances, but on our hope and Jehovah's promises.

Even when we suffer or experience sadness, Jehovah helps us to maintain our joy and keep going. As the pioneer Maria said, we can cry or express our feelings, but God’s promises remind us that suffering is temporary, like footprints in the sand that the sea washes away. Jehovah will soon remove all our problems, and that confidence enables us to maintain our joy no matter the situation.

11. How does the example of the apostle Paul encourage you?

The example of the apostle Paul encourages me because it shows that facing many problems does not mean losing Jehovah’s approval. Despite all his difficulties, Paul remained faithful, and that was proof that Jehovah was with him. In the same way, if I continue to endure faithfully, I can be sure that Jehovah gives me his approval.

12. Why might unmet expectations steal our joy?

Unmet expectations can rob us of joy because when we set goals that don't fit our circumstances, we can become discouraged. If we don't achieve what we hoped for, we can feel frustration and sadness.

As happened to pioneer Holly, who wanted to achieve spiritual goals but was unable to because of changes in her circumstances. This shows that unrealistic goals can affect our mood and rob us of joy.

13. If our circumstances do not allow us to do as much as we would like, what goals are within our reach?

If our circumstances don't allow us to do as much as we'd like, there are still many worthwhile goals within our reach. We can focus on what we can do, such as encouraging someone in the congregation, supporting older members, or being a friend and spiritual guide to young people.

We can also make it our goal to encourage others by visiting, calling, or sending a message. Jehovah appreciates and blesses these actions because he values ​​our inner qualities—such as modesty and faithfulness—more than the number of activities we perform.

14. What else can steal our joy?

Another thing that can steal our joy is focusing too much on ourselves and our own desires. When we focus only on seeking pleasure, indulging ourselves, or living according to world trends—like travel, shopping, or hobbies—we end up feeling dissatisfied because it's never enough. As the pioneer Eve explained, this way of thinking only breeds sadness and disappointment.

15. What does what happened to King Solomon teach us?

What happened to King Solomon teaches us that seeking happiness in personal pleasures never truly fills the heart. Despite having access to luxuries, entertainment, fine food, music, and everything he could desire, he ended up feeling empty and disappointed.

Solomon recognized that “the eye is not satisfied with what it sees, nor the ear filled with what it hears.” This demonstrates that the world’s ideas about happiness are deceptive, like counterfeit money: they seem valuable, but they are worthless and fail to bring us true and lasting joy.

16. Why will we be happy if we do things for others? (See also the images).

We will be happy if we do things for others because Jesus taught that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” When we focus on helping and encouraging others, listening to them with empathy, showing compassion, reminding them that Jehovah has not abandoned them, and performing small acts of kindness, we stop focusing on our own problems.

This not only benefits those who receive our help, but it also fills us with deep joy. By giving from the heart, Jehovah uses us as a tool to comfort others, and that makes us truly happy.

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A sister sitting in a cafe with several shopping bags around her, looking at her phone. 2. A sister visits an older sister at her home and, with a smile, gives her a bouquet of flowers.

Instead of focusing on your own desires, do things for others. (See paragraph 16.)

17. If we want to feel truly happy, what should we do? (Psalm 43:4).

If we want to be truly happy, we must draw ever closer to Jehovah, who is our “greatest joy,” according to Psalm 43:4. By clinging to him and strengthening our relationship, we can maintain happiness even in the midst of problems. Jehovah will help us to be happy forever.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why are Jehovah and Jesus happy?

Jehovah is happy because, although he sees the suffering in the world, he knows that it is temporary and that he will soon eliminate it completely. Furthermore, he is very attentive to us and helps us to remain cheerful and happy, and that also makes him happy.

Jesus is happy because he perfectly reflects his Father’s qualities, has spent more time with Jehovah, who is “the source of true happiness,” than anyone else, and always does God’s will. Therefore, he enjoys Jehovah’s favor and approval, which also fills him with joy.

What three “thieves” can steal our joy?

Life's problems:such as persecution, natural disasters, poverty, illness, or old age, which can discourage us, especially if we cannot change the circumstances.

Unmet expectations:When we set goals that are not suited to our situation and we fail to achieve them, it can generate frustration and sadness.

Focusing only on ourselves and our desires:focusing solely on personal pleasures, whims, or the lifestyle promoted by the world, instead of seeking happiness in serving others and in our relationship with Jehovah.

What can we do to regain joy?

We can regain joy by focusing on helping and encouraging others. Although we cannot solve all of people's problems, we can listen to them with empathy, show them compassion, remind them that they can trust in Jehovah, and assure them that he has not abandoned them.

We can also perform small acts of kindness, such as preparing a meal for them, spending time with them, or inviting them to preach. By focusing on others and not just on ourselves, we become instruments of Jehovah and experience true and profound joy.